The Boggy Flat Grave of a Young Teamster
The Boggy Flat Grave of a Young Teamster If you travel from Mount Dare Homestead to Finke you will cross the edge of Boggy Flat about 30km north of Charlotte Waters. The Boggy Flat grave is just south of the track.
Young Joseph McPharlin was apparently carting wool to the rail head at Oodnadatta when he accidentally shot himself and was buried beside the track. At the time of McPharlin’s death the Ghan railway ended at Oodnadatta and all freight to Alice Springs was hauled by teamsters and cameleers. The following letter was discovered in the old records at the Finke Police Station. It explains the story behind the Boggy Flat grave. Ron Browne was stationed at Finke in the 1950’s and published a facsimile of the letter in his book "Bush Justice". Charlotte Waters Police Station January 12th 1883 Sir, I have the honor to report that Thomas Fox, a teamster, reported at this Station on the 10th inst. thata man named Joseph McPharlin had accidentally shot himself dead at Boggy Flat 22 miles north of this place on the 10th inst. I immediately left to make enquires accompanied by Messrs Gillen & Treloar Jps, on my arrival at Boggy Flat I found the deceased lying on the wagon where the accident took place, the gun which was loaded with shot having entered the left breast, death being instantaneous. James George an aboriginal stated that the deceased was in the act of removing a saddle from some bales of wool, where the gun was placed whilst the wagon was in motion. I searched the body and found 15.13.3 in money also 2/2d worth of stamps and had the body buried on the 11th inst. F.J. Gillen JP considering an inquest unnecessary. The money and the postage stamps I have since handed to the deceased’s brother Daniel McPharlin. B.C. Bisley Esq Inspr of Police Sir,I have the honor to be Your obedient Servant T Daer
Boggy Flat, NT
|
